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Blood glucose testing

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D

Duskie

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Even though my GP and nurse said that I don't really need to test that much, I've decided that I really want to. I have a meter already, But there is one slight problem...

I really, REALLY can't psyche myself up to use the finger-pricker! Its silly, I'm starting to get better with blood tests and up until recently I was taking Byetta twice a day, but I really can't.

Just wondering if there's any suggestions on how I could psyche myself up? Or is there any other places I could take blood from other than my fingers? Thanks.
 
I hate doing mine, I usually shout out random words to psyche myself up.
I was always being told off by my nurse for not testing enough, even when I first found out and I was on tablets.
My mums husband is type 2 and was told not to test because if it's high he might worry! which I don't really understand, how are you to know what food, exercise etc does to your levels and if you need to alter anything!?

I've had a few meters that come with a special cap so you can take blood from other parts of your body, not sure where you do it, I've only tried it once in my hand and I didn't like it so went back to fingers!
 
Hi Duskie

What sort of fingerpricker are you using? There are good and bad ones... Many have 'depth control' which means you can get a drop of blood almost without feeling it. My fingerbodger of choice is the Accu-Chek multiclix which houses several lancets in a drum. I don't change every time, but it's very convenient to have a few handy for whenever I want a fresh one (which can reduce the sensation of the pricking)

Here are a few other tips:
Avoid the 'pads' of your fingers (more nerve endings there), use the sides, but not too close to the nail
Make sure your hands are warm
Hang your arms by your sides for a minute to encourage blood flow
Don't 'squeeze' (risk of innacurate reading) but gently 'milk' the finger from hand end toward the tip
Use the lightest depth setting which gives good samples
Hold the device firmly against the finger (masks sensation) but don't press it hard against (increases 'depth')

Hope that helps a bit!
 
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